Arctic navigation extended to Sakha Republic
Cargo will flow in and out of Tiksi, a port in the Arctic
The Northern Sea Route's (NSR) eastern end has been extended by the Russian government, allowing cargo ships to travel further east into the Sakha Republic.
Evgeny Perminov, the chief of the Yakutia branch of the Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport, told TASS, "The changes will let ships carry cargo to the Tiksi port, which is situated in the Bulunsky district of the Sakha Republic, and all the way to Pevek."
He added that the extension was designed to create a unified transport system for the country's Arctic zone and would be completed in 2024 following the signing of a relevant decree.
Four new Arctic ports to open
The extension of the NSR will go hand in hand with the opening of four new ports, to be built in the Gulf of Ob, the Yenisei Estuary, the Khatanga Bay, and at Pevek.
These ports will have a combined cargo capacity of 80 million metric tons per year, allowing for the export of coal, gas, and other resources from the region.
In addition to the new ports, the government is also planning to build a new icebreaker fleet to support the increased traffic on the NSR.
Connecting Russia’s north with its east
The extension of the NSR and the opening of the new ports are part of Russia's plans to develop its Arctic resources, which are estimated to be worth trillions of dollars.
The NSR provides a much shorter route for shipping between Europe and Asia than the traditional routes through the Suez Canal or around the Cape of Good Hope.
As the Arctic ice continues to melt, the NSR is becoming increasingly navigable, and Russia is keen to capitalize on this opportunity to boost its economy.
Environmental concerns
However, the development of the NSR has also raised concerns about the impact on the environment.
The Arctic is a fragile ecosystem, and increased shipping traffic could have a negative impact on the region's wildlife and habitats.
The Russian government is aware of these concerns and has pledged to take steps to minimize the environmental impact of the NSR's development.
Conclusion
The extension of the NSR to the Sakha Republic is a major step in Russia's plans to develop its Arctic resources. The new ports and icebreaker fleet will allow for the transportation of large quantities of cargo to and from the region.
However, it is important to ensure that the development of the NSR is done in a sustainable way that minimizes the impact on the environment.
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